Raymond Eric Magnuson

March 4, 1937 - December 12, 2016

Ray passed away peacefully at Copper Ridge Place in Whitehorse, Yukon with his family by his side.
Ray was born to parents Manne and Anna Magnuson in Atlin, BC. As a young man, Ray worked alongside his dad at the family sawmill, hauling supplies to and from Carcross. He also placer mined on several gold rich creeks in the Atlin area.
Ray met Roberta (Bobbie) in Atlin and they married on May 22, 1956. They went on to have four children.

Ray’s transportation legacy began in 1960 when he started working on the Yukon highway system as a heavy equipment operator in Swift River. He went on to become the highway road foreman in Teslin, and later Haines Junction, a highway superintendent and by 1981 Ray assumed the role of Director of Highway Maintenance with the Yukon government, a position he held until retirement in 1990.

Ray was inducted into the Yukon Transportation Hall of Fame in 2005 for his accomplishments on the Yukon highway system.

In addition to mining and highways, Ray was passionate about the north and his community. A community member of Marsh Lake for several years, he was also a dedicated member of the Yukon Order of Pioneers for over 25 years. In his retirement, Ray filled his time woodworking – building many pieces of furniture for his friends and family. He also avidly enjoyed curling, fishing, hunting and boating.

It was a privilege to have met and worked with Ray for eight years. He was committed to making Yukon a better place with everything he did. No matter how important the job, family always came first, and it showed. He and Bobbi have left their mark with a strong and loving family and a proud legacy. My husband Al and I send our sincere condolences to the family.

Two years have passed and we just heard of Ray’s passing.Our condolences to Bobbi and family. We enjoyed Ray at Marsh Lake and often stopped to chat when walking our Westie dogs. Our last visit was at Copper Ridge Place.